A US millionaire was fatally wounded by a Cape buffalo he was hunting during a big game excursion in South Africa in what safari staff called an “unprovoked attack.”
52-year-old Asher Watkins was a ranch trader and managing partner at Watkins Ranch Group, boasting expertise in the “purchase and sale of Ranch and Land properties across Texas and Oklahoma.”
His speciality has earned him millions of dollars, around $10K of which he spent on a big game hunting trip with Coenraad Vermaak Safaris, a 55-year-old company that provides clients with a “first-class hunting experience.”
However, Watkins’ own excursion turned deadly when a Cape buffalo he’d been stalking through the bush turned aggressive.
Cape buffalo kills millionaire who was hunting it
On Sunday, August 3, Watkins set out to hunt the 1.3-ton animal alongside a professional hunter and a pro tracker from Coenraad Vermaak Safaris. According to statements from the company, the buffalo suddenly charged at him, fatally striking the American rancher at a pace of 35 miles per hour.
“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts we confirm the tragic death of our client and friend Asher Watkins from the USA,” Hans Vermaak said in an official statement to the Daily Mail.
“On Sunday, while on a hunting safari with us in South Africa’s Limpopo Province, Asher was fatally injured in a sudden and unprovoked attack by an unwounded buffalo.
“He was tracking it together with one of our professional hunters and one of our trackers. This is a devastating incident, and our hearts go out to his loved ones.”
Cape buffalo can weigh anywhere from 425 – 870 kg (937 – 1,918 lbs), with an average height of 1 – 1.7 meters (3.3 – 5.6 ft). These creatures are known as one of the ‘big five’ of Africa’s big game animals, the others being the lion, leopard, elephant, and rhinoceros.
Cape buffalo are known for their aggressive nature, and it’s even said that they remember hunters and are known for taking ‘revenge’ against them. The Cape buffalo also doesn’t give any indication of its emotions, often appearing to attack without any prior warning.
Millionaire hunter’s death sparks big reaction on social media
Watkins’ family published a statement to Facebook in memory of the rancher: “On an African hunting safari, surrounded by his beloved mother, Gwen, brother, Amon and stepdad, Tony…. Asher came face-to-face with one of Africa’s legendary Big Five—a Cape buffalo.”
“In a moment as fearless as he lived his life, he met the challenge head-on, leaving this world a man of courage, faith, and adventure.”
However, the response from social media has been less kind. Commenters have flooded Watkins’ Facebook page with remarks like, “Karma got you!” and “Glad you got your just reward.”
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